travel wash dunelm

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This is the travel wash you need to pack

Nobody wants to bother with the laundry while they’re on holiday but if you’re away for a while, have messy youngsters in tow, or are a little accident prone – it’s impossible to avoid a bit of hand washing in the bathroom basin. The question is - do travel washes actually work or just take up valuable case space? Would shower gel work just as well in an emergency?

To find out, the GHI compared five travel washes, pitting them against some typical holiday stains - such as olive oil, foundation, pasta sauce and sun cream on identical white t-shirts. Once the t-shirts were stained up in the test lab, the team left them to dry for a few hours, then hand-washed them with the different travel washes. When dry, they were compared and assessed by our expert panel. We also washed a stained t -shirt with shower gel to see if that was just as good/better!

Our verdict? All the travel washes worked better than shower gel but not one of them managed to remove the notoriously difficult foundation or pasta sauce stain (so take extra care putting on your make-up or eating Italian when you're away!). The best performer overall removed olive oil, tomato ketchup, balsamic vinegar and sun cream...

Lifeventure Fabric Wash £4.49, 100ml Rough Gear A good solid 2nd place. It’s the most expensive on test but worth stashing in the suitcase.

Dylon Travel Wash £1.99, 100ml Boots Did a good job of stain removal and certainly worth taking with you if you can’t get hold of the top two.

Pyramid Travel Soap £3.25, 60ml Amazon Struggled to get the suncream stain out of the t-shirt but does claim to be useable in both fresh and salt water (we didn’t test it in salt water).

Dr Beckmann Travel Wash £1.65, 100ml Amazon Disappointing results for a well-known brand though still much better than using shower gel.

MORE: WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF LAUNDRY DETERGENT FOR YOU?

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6 Products for Washing Clothes While Traveling

By Bailey Berg

If you’re going on a long trip, be it a summer in Europe or a cross-country road trip, it can be tempting to bring your whole wardrobe. But between baggage fees and weight restrictions, that’s not always possible or practical. One way to avoid overpacking is to wash your clothes while you travel. That’s often easier said than done: Laundromats can be hard to track down or inconveniently located, laundry services at hotels and on ships can be prohibitively expensive, and if you’re spending time in the backcountry, neither are an option.

Taking matters into your own hands isn't as much of a chore as you might think, though: There are plenty of tools that make doing laundry while traveling cheap and simple (and we're not just talking about Tide to Go pens ), without adding too much extra bulk to your luggage. Below, six on-the-road laundry hacks.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Scrubba Portable Wash Bag

The Scrubba is basically a dry bag with a ribbed interior that functions like a washboard. You put your clothes, some clean water, and detergent in, and rub the garments against the bumps for a few minutes before rinsing everything out. Not counting drying time, the whole process takes about five minutes—and it actually does a good job of cleaning your clothes. It’s fabulous for long-term travelers and for those on days-long camping trips , where packing light is optimal. Plus, it folds down to the size of a deck of cards, so it won’t take up valuable suitcase or backpack real estate.

Nasdom Travel Clothesline

If you’ve ever done laundry in a sink, you’re familiar with the creative exercise in finding enough surfaces to drape your dripping clothes over. This 13-foot clothesline, which comes with built in pins, is easily packable. The hooked ends make it sturdy enough to connect between bed posts, across a balcony, or even from the shower curtain rod to a towel bar in a pinch.

Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets

These laundry soap sheets dissolve in water, so there’s no chance of spillage in your bag (you won't have to worry about the TSA's liquid restrictions either). There are 50 sheets in a box slightly bigger than a raisin container, so you’ll be able to get a lot of mileage out of each pack. Toss one sheet into whatever vessel you’re doing laundry in—a sink, tub, or scrub bag—and it’ll turn into suds. Just be careful to handle the carrying case with dry hands, so you don't accidentally dissolve any of the delicate sheets.

PackTowl Personal Towel

It might not be the most high tech option, but a microfiber towel can dry your sopping wet laundry faster than a clothesline. Start by spreading the towel out on a dry surface. After you wring out as much excess water from your clean clothes as possible, lay a few items on top of the towel. Then tightly roll up the towel with the clothes inside and squeeze. The microfiber fabric will sponge up more of the water (it can actually absorb four times its weight in water). This is a good method for washing heavy garments like jeans or thick sweaters when you need them dry by morning. In addition to its normal functions, this easy-to-pack towel can double as a lightweight blanket on a plane or something to sit on at the beach .

Laura Kiniry

Stacey Lastoe

Jemima Sissons

Mudder Silicone Tub Stopper

For some reason, it always seems that when you actually need a plug for your hotel room or rental's sink, there isn’t one to be found. Use this universal drain cover in any sink or tub: It is heavy duty enough that it won’t move as you soak your clothes, reducing water and soap waste, but light enough that you won't mind tossing it in your suitcase on trips when you know you'll want to do laundry.

Urpower Garment Steamer

Sometimes doing laundry while traveling comes out of necessity; but other times, it just feels good to freshen up your outfits. Some fabrics, like linen, love to wrinkle in transit; use this travel steamer to smooth out delicate outfits. It’s fairly portable, clocking in at just over eight inches tall and two inches wide. We think it’s worth the luggage space to make sure your outfit looks smart, especially if you’re traveling for a destination wedding or business trip .

Packing List

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The 11 Best Travel Laundry Bags of 2024

These laundry bags keep your suitcase clean and organized even on long trips.

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Clothing has to stand up to so much on the road — wine spills, peak-ascending sweat, germ-ridden public spaces, and, for ultralight packers, repetitive wear. That's when having the perfect laundry bag tucked away in your suitcase becomes your closest ally.

To help you find the perfect one to stash, and even wash, your favorite garments, we researched the options across many designs, materials, and price points. Our top pick is the Eagle Creek Pack-it Isolate Clean/Dirty Cube for its antimicrobial treatment, adaptable compartment, and durable, ultra-light material. In addition to this do-it-all bag, our list includes everything from waterproof bags to hanging bags, too.

Best Overall

Eagle creek isolate clean/dirty cube.

Eagle Creek

This versatile laundry cube isolates clean and dirty clothes while keeping water out and odor away.

The floating divider does mean that dirty and clean clothes are not totally separated.

The Pack-it Isolate Clean/Dirty Cube by Eagle Creek easily checks off our wish list for a travel laundry bag. From the antimicrobial treated material that actively fights odors building in your clothes to its ultra-lightweight and durable translucent ripstop polyester fabric so you can see what is packed where, this machine-washable bag is designed to help make packing — and the laundry itself — easier to handle.

Backed by Eagle Creek's lifetime warranty, this water-resistant 7.5-liter cube features grab handles for unpacking quickly and self-repairing zippers for the toughest travel days. Of course, the free-floating internal divider provides as much or as little space as you need to separate reusable worn clothes from the beyond-dirty. Thanks to its thoughtful design with utility and versatility in mind, travelers can keep reaching for the Pack-it Isolate cube year after year.

The Details: Antimicrobial poly ripstop | 1.8 ounces | Zipper

Best Collapsible

Mumi laundry bag.

This collapsible bag folds down to just 5 by 8 inches, making it an easy item to tuck away into your suitcase for later use.

The PVC mesh doesn’t easily disintegrate, so the bag has a large environmental footprint.

Though this is not the greenest option, it is one of the lightest laundry bags available as the ultra-packable bag folds into an even tinier stow bag. Apart from slimming down the amount of space the laundry bag takes up, Mumi also recommends using the small storage bag to stash small additional items when the laundry bag is in use. The straightforward collapsible laundry bag also includes a folding hanger for your convenience. Another added benefit of this small-but-mighty laundry bag is that it is odor- and water-resistant. This highly functional laundry bag is undoubtedly best for those wishing to dedicate the least amount of suitcase space.

The Details: PVC mesh | 1.58 ounces | Zipper

Best Odor-blocking

Stnky wash bag.

The inner mesh bag allows clothes to breathe while the outer layer locks in odors, moisture, and germs.

It’s a bit small.

This double-layered bag is best known for sealing in odors, but it is perfect for those who want to avoid pulling every piece of clothing out of the bag. As a contact-free laundry bag, the inner mesh bag can fall from the inside allowing you to drop the clothes straight from the bag into the washing machine. Additionally, the entire pack can be washed and dried at high temperatures to kill germs and odor-causing bacteria.

The Details: Mesh | 4.2 ounces | Zipper

Best Machine-washable

Grove co. laundry bag set.

These bags are just the right size for zipping up your delicates so they are ready to toss in the washing machine straight out of your luggage.

The mesh bags are not meant to block odor, so be careful where you pack them.

Made by a Certified B Corporation , this set of bags for delicates is one of the most affordable and packable options. Designed for an easy transfer as you unpack, these mesh delicate bags will allow your laundry to breathe until it is time to hit the washing machine. The Grove Co. set is also dryer-safe and was created to help maintain the shape of your delicate laundry. Unlike some mesh laundry bags, this duo of medium and large zippered bags can go directly from the washing machine into the dryer to continue protecting your delicates throughout the entire cycle.

The Details: Mesh | Zipper

Best Large-capacity

Homest travel laundry bag.

The bag itself is machine washable and durable.

Because it’s large, you may not want to stuff it full before repacking in your suitcase.

This laundry bag two-pack is made of thick nylon with ripstop stitching, so you can really stuff the bag with all of your dirty items. While it may become too thick for a carry-on or small checked bag, this is the perfect laundry bag for longterm stays or even camping trips. The simple drawstring closure allows you to fill the bag and bring to your hotel's laundry or stick in the back of your vehicle without the risk of losing any items along the way. Plus, the bag is so lightweight and compact on its own that you can pop it right into your luggage and fill as needed.

The Details: Nylon | 0.44 pounds | Drawstring

Cotopaxi Travel Cube Bundle

Made with lightweight materials and breathable mesh, this cube bundle includes an array of sizes ranging from 2 to 10 liters.

Because the sides of these bags are mesh, odors can spread from dirty clothes to clean clothes.

Fashioned by employees with the creative agency to choose their own colorful patterns, the Cotopaxi travel cube bundle includes 2-, 3- and 10-liter repurposed nylon and mesh-sided bags. Though the nylon front and back of the bags are helpful in blocking odor transfer, the bags of dirty clothes should be separated from clean clothes in a backpack or suitcase to prevent odors from settling into the fibers of clean clothes. These bags are well-made for those looking to stave off mold and bacteria growth on dirty clothes. Because this set packs down so well when empty, you can easily take all of them along or just the bag you know you will need for your trip.

The Details: Recycled nylon and mesh | 1 ounce per 2-liter capacity | Zipper

Best Water-resistant

Helly hansen scout wash bag.

Helly Hansen

This affordable option will protect its contents from getting wet even in the worst of weather.

This bag is not designed to fold flat or compress, meaning it will need to fit into a suitcase at its existing size.

Made with water-resistant, TPU-treated polyester, this modular bag is designed to prevent any kind of leak from seeping in — or out. This Norwegian-designed bag was created with harsh weather in mind and can easily fit into any existing system of packing cubes. Its mesh pocket is handy for tucking underwear, buffs, tank tops, or any other small, light layer of clothing away. Otherwise, roll up your layers and neatly stack them in this small wash bag until you get home. The handle is perfect for hanging the bag on your doorknob until you are ready to tackle the latest adventure's laundry.

The Details: Polyester, TPU | 7.05 ounces | Zipper

Best Organization

Modoker travel duffel bag.

With a designated place for everything, this bag provides the ultimate organization and surprising opportunities for stashing laundry.

This carry-on bag is primarily designed to stash clean clothes and gear so there are no odor-blocking features.

While this bag is an easy carry-on choice for any traveler looking for specialized organization options, this highly compartmentalized duffel can also easily hold laundry in its hidden pockets. Though soiled clothes can certainly be stuffed into the primary compartment, dirty clothes can also be stored in the hanging garment section as well as the shoe pocket on the left side of the bag. Keep in mind that this 45-liter bag is made of nylon, so it should easily pack even your largest pieces of dirty clothing.

The Details: Nylon | 2.53 pounds | Zipper

Best Durable

Patagonia black hole mlc cube.

Patagonia uses environmentally friendly recycled materials and supports living wages with a Fair Trade supply chain.

This compartmentalized bag does not completely fold flat.

Made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester ripstop and a post-industrial recycled TPU-film laminate, this 12-liter bag is large enough to hold most of your dirty clothes within the primary compartment under the roll-top closure. There is, however, a secondary compartment that features a zipper closure. While the mesh compartments of the more traditional 10-liter Black Hole Cube are great, the higher level of compartmentalization in the Black Hole MLC Cube is appreciated for those who want to pack away a worn shirt that might need to be used again. Apart from its dual-compartment versatility, you can feel good about buying Patagonia's recycled materials. Not only are they reused, but the TPU-treated polyester ripstop is built to resist punctures, fraying, and anything else you might encounter.

The Details: Recycled polyester ripstop | 6.9 ounces | Roll-top and zipper

Best Compression

Tripped travel gear the carry-on set.

Tripped Travel Gear

The different shapes and sizes can accommodate a variety of clothing such as sweaters, shoes, and stacks of T-shirts.

Not all clothes will fit into the cubes or can be compressed.

The Carry-on Set is great for those hoping to maximize the limited space inside a carry-on with a pack of seven tough bags. Made with ripstop polyurethane fabric and reinforced zippers, this compression set can multitask as a neat place to stash your dirty clothes — especially if those clothes include caked-on grime that needs to be contained beyond the included toggle-cord laundry bag. Polyurethane is designed to keep moisture out, which is great for your clean clothes and even better for keeping dirty clothes separated. While you won't likely have to worry about the bags themselves ripping thanks to the material, the compression zippers are also double-stitched to make them as strong as can be. Larger, bulkier clothing such as heavy winter coats or very chunky sweaters might not be well suited to be stashed away in these bags for laundry to be completed later. Instead, these bags are better suited to lighter layers that can easily fit into the cubes without over-filling them.

The Details: Ripstop polyurethane fabric | 14.4 ounces | Zipper

Best Utility

Scrubba portable wash bag.

The water-tight seal is perfect for containing soiled clothes while the flexible built-in washboard adds unparalleled utility.

You will need to pack laundry detergent to wash on the go.

While this laundry bag and portable washing machine might bring backpacking to mind, the ultra-light bag that packs down to a pocket-size square can be handy indoors, too. Designed with convenience and the environment in mind, Scrubba bags cut down on the amount of water needed to wash a few essential items at a time and without any electricity — helping you clean your clothes while you travel . The roll-top and buckle closure with an air valve ensures no dirty water sloshes out of the bag while you work the clothing against the washboard with full contact. The transparent window on the side of the bag also allows you to see any section of clothing that might need a bit of extra scrubbing. While the bag can simply serve to hold your dirty clothes apart from clean items until you get home, it is nice to know you can tackle a stain before it sets or reuse a soiled garment before you get home. To wash clothes using this laundry bag, you’ll need detergent; however, Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Liquidless Eco Sheets can be used for hand-washing clothing.

The Details: Polyether, TPU | 5.3 ounces | Roll-top with buckle and air valve

Tips for Buying Laundry Bags

Prioritize material.

Each type of material presents an advantage. Polyester and nylon are both lightweight synthetic fibers that are designed to endure wear and tear. Polyester will repel water while nylon will absorb water. Neither are breathable, but natural fibers such as cotton are. Pay attention to what material best suits your needs and style of travel.

Consider the bag’s features

Those who travel with delicate garments will likely want a breathable, protective bag that can fold or hang. Others who travel under intense weather conditions should look for a durable, waterproof option. Adventure enthusiasts will likely want a laundry bag that allows clothing to breathe and prevents bacterial growth between adrenaline-pumping activities. You'll also want a bag that has a secure closure that's easy to use and won't break even if you fully stuff the bag with dirty items.

Check for return policies and warranties

After investing in an excellent travel laundry bag, the last thing you want is to buy another one due to a defect or a short return period. Check the company policies to ensure you can get a refund should you need to exchange the laundry bag for a different option that better suits you. It is always worth noting the warranty as well as learning about free replacements and the corresponding time frame of availability.

Travel laundry bags are about so much more than containing dirty clothes while on the go or having clothes ready for washing machine drop-off. While the idea of protecting your clean clothes from germs and grime worn clothes might have collected, a separate laundry bag can also help prevent suitcases from developing an odor. Of course, laundry bags also help bring a certain level of organization to the suitcase, making it easier to see what clothing you have left to work with.

There are two ways to wash a travel laundry bag, but the method depends on the material the laundry bag is made of. Some synthetic fibers can withstand the heat of a hot cycle in the washing machine. Others might have to be washed on a cool cycle.

Some travel laundry bags are made from materials that are too delicate for the washing machine altogether. In this case, use a gentle detergent and cool water to soak and wash the bag in the sink. A solution made with mild soap and cool water can also be used to spot-clean laundry bags as needed too.

Look for specific directions when buying a laundry bag. Don't forget to double-check its tag before washing it too.

Similar to the methods of washing travel laundry bags, not all can handle the heat of a dryer. Some bags are designed to be used in a dryer, but far more must air dry. Again, consider this when buying a laundry bag and remember to properly care for whichever one you choose.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Molly Harris is a travel writer and gear fiend. She has four years of experience testing travel gear, and adventure equipment and searching for the most functional, travel-friendly accessories available. For this article, she used research and her own experience to curate the perfect list of laundry bags for travelers.

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Best Travel Laundry Detergent for Washing Clothes on the Go

Packing Tips , TOILETRIES

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Doing laundry while traveling is a great way to keep all of your clothes nice and fresh, and while this sounds easy to do, it’s still wise to create the best travel laundry kit, so this task isn’t messy or cumbersome. See these top reader recommendations to know what detergent to bring!

Travel Size Laundry Detergent

Table of contents.

TFG readers definitely know travel, and when it comes to washing clothes, they have some great things to suggest. 

Our readers share their tips, tricks, and products for keeping clothes fresh and clean. Check out these picks for the best travel laundry soap !

Best Travel Detergent

Tide Laundry Detergent Travel Packets

Tide Travel Size Laundry Detergent Packets

Tide travel size laundry detergent packets come in convenient one-load sizes. You can slip them into your luggage without taking up too much space. 

Readers sing the praises of Tide and say it’s excellent for washing clothes on the go. Other TFGs who struggle with where to buy travel size laundry detergent suggest simply pouring larger bottles of this soap into smaller containers. One reader says, “I put Tide into one of my shampoo 3-1-1 bottles.” 

Decanting your detergent into travel size bottles is an awesome and easy travel hack.

SinkSuds Travel Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap

SinkSuds Travel Laundry Detergent Packets

The SinkSuds travel size laundry detergent packets are 0.25 fluid ounces, so it’s TSA friendly and super convenient to add to your toiletries bag . 

If you’re just washing a couple of items in a sink or tub, all you need to do is pour one packet into the water and let everything soak, then rinse and hang dry. It’s effective yet gentle, so you can wash swimwear and delicates as well as any regular clothing. 

One reader says, “Very handy for traveling. I can use one packet to wash a couple of items in my hotel room sink. Packs very easily. If you have to wash items in the sink, but don’t have access to detergent, I recommend these.” 

Find out how to do laundry while traveling with three easy options.

SOAK Scentless Travel Laundry Detergent

SOAK Unscented Travel Laundry Detergent

This no-rinse laundry detergent is another fantastic option for hand washing clothes while traveling because it’s SO convenient. With SOAK, all you need to do is… well, soak your clothes! 

There’s no rinsing necessary, so just ring them out, let them dry, and you’re good to go. And your clothes will feel super fresh and smell great. Because SOAK comes in larger bottles, you’d just have to pour some into a travel size bottle to take it with you. 

One reader says, “I love this product because you don’t have to rinse it out! For dirty stinky stuff, I take it into the shower first to rinse off dust and grime but then soak it in the sink for 15 minutes, and no need to rinse it out again. I roll my clothes in a microfiber travel towel and squeeze them out and then hang dry.” You can also pick up SOAK in handy travel size laundry detergent packets . 

Best Travel Laundry Detergent Sheets

Lazy Coconuts Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent Strips

Lazy Coconuts Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Strips 

The Lazy Coconuts eco-friendly detergent strips make for the easiest handwashing experience while traveling. Just add to a sink full of water (or a washing machine if available) and you’re good to go! Each package has 48 strips that equate to 48 loads, which is an incredible value for the price. 

They weigh virtually nothing and take up very little space, so these are perfect for travel. And they’re made all the better by the fact that they’re carbon negative, cruelty-free , and produce zero waste! 

One user shares, “Great for travel! We went hiking , ziplining, and whitewater rafting in Colorado. Washed laundry in the hotel washer using these sheets. The laundry came out smelling clean and fresh. No heavy detergent smell.”

If your accommodation doesn’t have a dryer, take a look at these portable travel clothes lines that are all very packable!

Finzy Laundry Soap Sheets

FINZY Travel Laundry Soap Sheets

Washing on the go has never been easier than with these FINZY travel detergent sheets . This package contains 32 loads, and you can take what you need along with you on your trip. 

These detergent sheets clean your clothes quickly and efficiently, and what’s really cool is you can use them to wash your hands as well!

One traveler raves, “These literally saved me from overpacking for a three-week trip to Italy because I knew these handy, lightweight sheets were packed in my suitcase taking up no room. A true lifesaver for travel!” 

Breezeo Laundry Detergent Strips

Breezeo Travel Detergent Sheets

Breezeo laundry detergent strips have come highly recommended in the TFG Community. They’re super easy to pack and use, and they dissolve completely in both hot and cold water.

One reader reports, “Breezeo is my solution. They work great in my opinion, and leave absolutely no mess or possibility of a mess. I guarantee they can ‘fit’ in any compact luggage and adheres to TSA guidelines. I travel with them everywhere. I use one sheet for smaller loads (or hand washing) and two sheets for larger loads or more heavily soiled clothes. Economical too.”

Here are the best ways to clean dirty packing cubes .

Earth Breeze Fresh Scent Laundry Detergent Sheets

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets

Earth Breeze detergent sheets are another fantastic and eco-friendly option for travel. These sheets are major space savers, while also offering a deep clean, so they come highly rated by travelers. They’re perfect for sensitive skin, too. 

They have both “fresh scent” and unscented travel laundry detergent options for you to choose from. Use anything from half a sheet to two sheets depending on your load, and you’ll have fresh and clean clothing for the rest of your trip!  

One user says, “I purchased these laundry sheets for a two-week trip and it was the best purchase ever! Not only is it good for the environment but it fits easily in a suitcase. I was amazed that the sheet just dissolves in the water! No bulky plastic bottles to carry! I would use this again!! I might even use it at home!”

WashEZE 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Sheets

WashEZE Laundry Sheets

WashEZE 3-in-1 laundry sheets are great. They provide detergent, softener, and static control all in one handy little soap sheet. Travelers say that these are super easy and effective when handwashing. If you have access to a washer and dryer, you can use the same sheet in both machines to get all the great benefits. 

One reader shares, “I was finishing a three-week tour of the Outer Hebrides Islands, in the United Kingdom , so there was a was a lot of mud on my trip. I used WashEZE detergent sheets and they did a GREAT job for hand washing or machine washing. Hint: cut the sheets into quarters and strips to make it easy when you’re on the road. I found a half sheet was fine for the smaller washers that are in most homes in the UK, and about half of a quarter panel was plenty to hand wash a shirt in the sink.”

Tru Earth Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent Sheets

TruEarth Natural Laundry Detergent Sheets

TruEarth laundry sheets are ultra-gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, yet are praised for their effectiveness and stain-removing capabilities! These little strips both restore colors and brighten whites with a powerful formula that’s hypoallergenic, vegan, and paraben-free!

You can use a whole strip or half a strip depending on the size of your laundry load, and they work equally well in both washing machines and sinks. Plus, users say that a little goes a long way, so you’ll likely only need a few sheets for your entire trip.

One traveler says, “I travel a lot and these are a game changer! No more worries about an unexpected liquid mess in my suitcase! These worked great on my cruise. They dissolve so easily. I would highly recommend them for everyday use but especially for travel.” 

Travelon Laundry Soap Toiletry Sheets

Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets

Travelon soap sheets were made specifically for travel, as they’re super compact and come in a lightweight container, and is small enough to throw in any bag. Travelers say these are amazing for hand-washing in the sink or tub and always get the job done. 

One happy user reports, “This came in handy during my two-week vacation to Europe ! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather, so packing was going to be difficult. Rather than overpack, I brought layers, and with these laundry soap sheets were able to wash clothes in the sink so that I had the right clothes for each climate.” 

Find out how to handle your dirty clothes when you’re traveling.

Best Travel Laundry Soap Bar

Fels Naptha Laundry Soap Bar

Fels Naptha Travel Soap Bars

The Fels Naptha soap bar is a great alternative for laundry detergent while traveling, and is noted by the TFG Community to be incredibly effective! This soap is said to have amazing stain removal capabilities and is ideal for super active trips where your clothes will need a deeper wash. 

You can take only a piece of this laundry bar if you don’t need a lot, and because it’s solid, you can pack it in a carry-on bag with no TSA concerns. One reader shares, “I use Fels Naptha for travel washing. It’s very good for removing stains and particularly adept at removing sweat from clothing—ideal for workout, hiking, biking clothing.”

Ethique Eco-Friendly Laundry Bar

Ethique Eco-Friendly Laundry Stain Stick

This laundry stick from Ethique is a standout option for not just washing clothes of all colors and fibers, but also works as dish soap and hand soap! It has so many incredible capabilities! 

It’s sustainably made with natural ingredients, smells deliciously of lavender, peppermint, and coconut, and comes in waste-free packaging! 

One reader shares, “I bought this for a 19-day trip and absolutely love it! It cleans beautifully and smells great and lasts forever. It’s small and I still have half a bar left!” 

Sea to Summit Pocket Soap

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash Pocket Soap

The Sea to Summit travel laundry soap sheets come in a handy case filled with 50 leaves that travelers adore. These are especially useful for outdoor excursions such as hiking and camping because it can be used for many different purposes besides laundry, such as hand washing, body washing, and dishwashing. All you have to do is add water! 

One of our readers says, “I like Sea to Summit. They say one sheet per sink load is enough. If I’m washing a couple of things, I add about three. They clean very well and come in a tiny handy dispenser.”

Sard Wonder Soap with Eucalyptus

SARD Wonder Travel Laundry Soap Bar

SARD’s Wonder soap is excellent for removing stains and works well for those trips when your clothes might get a little messy.  When traveling, you can simply bring a piece of this soap with you and lather up your clothes for a thorough clean. 

One reader shares, “I use a small chunk of Sard soap. It’s not a detergent sheet, but it’s still good for sink washing.” 

Zote Laundry Soap Bar

Zote Pink Travel Laundry Soap

Many of our readers love to bring this Zote Pink soap bar with them on their travels because it’s gentle and easy to pack. Users love this because it can be used on any normal clothing, as well as delicates, swimwear , and even things like makeup brushes. 

One TFG reader says, “I really like Zote solid laundry soap bars. I cut a sliver off of the bar and keep it in a bag just in case I need it. it has a little bit of lemongrass or citronella scent, which makes everything smell fresh (even if it’s really not!!).” 

Chek out the best travel containers , where to get them, and how to use them!

Top Accessory Readers Use in Their Travel Laundry Kits

Scrubba Portable Wash Bag

Scrubba Bag

Th e Scrubba portable washing bag i s a revolutionary travel item that our readers rave about. It’s essentially the world’s smallest washing machine that you can bring with you absolutely anywhere! 

Whether you’re camping in the wilderness or staying in a hotel in a fun city, the Scrubba washing bag will seriously come in handy. It’s so easy to use too—just add clothes with some detergent into the Scrubba, close it securely, press down and deflate, rub the bag with clothes inside, and then rinse the clothes, and hang dry.

A traveler shares their experience, “This is one of the best items I’ve ever purchased for travel. Taking this meant that we could bring carry on bags instead of having to check our suitcases and just wash a few things halfway through our trip. using this just twice has more than paid for itself in baggage fees. It’s very easy to use and really got our clothes clean, despite mud, sweat, and sand. Pairing this with a travel clothesline and travel detergent means I can always pack light!”

Here is a step by step guide on how to hand wash your clothes while traveling! 

Travel Laundry Detergent Comparison Chart

What do you think is the best travel size laundry detergent ? Share with us in the comments!

For more tips on travel laundry and clothes care, please read:

• How to Pack Dirty Laundry While Traveling
• What Is the Best Travel Steamer? See Our Top Picks!
• How to do Laundry while Traveling – 3 Options!

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54 comments.

new products to try

Also like Clean People Ultra Concentrated Laundry Detergent Strips. They come in both scented and unscented. For stains, I bring along a small slice of Basin’s Fabric Stain Remover Soap.

Thank you for this helpful post. Before reading it, I didn’t even know that laundry strips were a thing. But I got some Lazy Coconut strips for a recent trip to France. They were awesome, and helped me with sink laundry so I could pack light and travel with just a backpack and carryon.

This is incredibly helpful! With so many to choose from and never using them before I’ve had a hard time deciding. Thank you so much!

I used the Ethique laundry bar to wash clothing in the hotel room sink on our 3-week Scandinavia trip in August. It worked great!

I use “eco-friendly” Kind brand unscented laundry sheets. You can easily tear off a piece for smaller washes. For stains, I slice off a piece of The Soap Works Stain-Remover Laundry Bar (from a Canadian company) and pack it in a small plastic bag.

I love my powder (citrus for easy rinse out) Forever New . Carry in a small zip lock bag and use for sink wash out. roll in towel, squeeze and hang to dry.

I travel with the Scrubba washing bag and, typically, use the hotel shower gel or shampoo. The Earth laundry papers are good too.

Thanks for sharing so many helpful options! I’m looking forward to trying some of the eco laundry strips on my next trip as they seem very compact and easy to adjust based on the amount of items I need to wash.

These Travelon Laundry Soap Sheets were a game changer on our last few trips to Italy. So portable, not a liquid and get the job done!

Thank you for all of the travel laundry suggestions! Going to Ireland and Germany in 2013 and these items will rally help!!

We are FINALLY leaving for London THIS WEEK!! I purchased Breezeo. I am looking forward to trying it. I have been a follower for years and enjoy your travel content and recommendations.

We are leaving for London THIS WEEK!!!! I purchased Breezeo. Excited to try it. Love the travel content and recommendations. Been following for years.

Thank you for your info on laundry detergent sheets. I didn’t even know that they were a thing until I logged into TFL. I have a medical condition that results in the need to do laundry often. You have made me feel confident that I can now travel again without worrying about laundry.

I have used Tide sheets and they worked wonderfully! So thin to pack and weigh next to nothing – they are a must fir any trip longer than a weekend!

I usually just used shampoos provided by the hotel to do laundry. But eh pods or the sheets would dona better job. Thanks for sharing so many options for us.

I always take the Travelon Detergent sheets. Work great!

I used the Travelon laundry sheets on our family trip to the Betheelands in June and they worked great! We all traveled with carryons only!

Netherlands not Betheelands!!

For years I used the hotel shampoo to wash my clothes but on my last trip I switched to TruEarth laundry sheets. They were a game changer I cut several full size load sheet into fourths, just the right size for a sink wash. And they are eco friendly for a win win.

For the way I travel, I like to bring powdered soap, it’s lighter weight and less messy than liquid. I usually just bring some of the Charlies laundry soap powder I use at home. I’m sensitive to fragrances so it works great for me.

After reading this post, for Australian readers, I found an Australian brand Strip Clean that makes detergent strips that are free from phosphorus, parabens and harsh chemicals. Took them on our recent trip to The Red Centre in Australia. Great product

I often travel with Dr. Bronner’s for washing, but I use Soak at home–& I’m eager to try sheets! So many options for my next trip.

Thank you for all the wonderful research… it makes packing so much easier!

I just ordered Lazy Coconuts detergent strips for our trip to Italy. Love that they are fragrance free and super compact. Thanks for all of the helpful options. I’ve used Sink Suds too and love them also.

This was super helpful! Wish I had seen this sooner!

I love using Soak for my knitting projects! I never thought about it for travel. I will definitely try this fall when in Switzerland

I was shopping the Breezio strips last weekend and realized I already own a Fels Naptha bar that I can carve some off to take to the UK in a couple of weeks. Glad I kept reading! Thanks for all the hints! They’re spot on!

I’m bringing the Sink Suds on a cruise soon, they seem like the perfect way to wash some of my unmentionables mid-trip! 🙂

Love the laundry sheets; a small bit is usually ample for travel sink laundry.

The Fels-Naptha idea is brilliant! I always spill something on myself that needs a little extra cleaning power. Since I use this at home, it is always on hand to pack.

My travel buddy brought the Earth Breeze laundry sheets on our trip to Italy and I loved them so much I use them at home now too!

Thanks for sharing other readers’ comments and reviews of these products. Very helpful! I use The Laundress wash and stain bar when traveling. It comes as a palm sized bar of soap, but I cut it in 1/4 pieces so it’s more compact and takes up less room.

Great article will be traveling to Italy for the first time in October and this group has been a great help fora first time traveler. Than you

I love that you’ve included some eco-friendly options. I have a trip coming up and plan to try out the laundry sheets.

I love using Soak, but now I’m excited to try out some of these other options. I especially like the idea of the solid detergents, that don’t have to take up room in my quart bag!

I brought a pack of Breezo detergent sheets on a work trip to Europe and I became everyone’s best friend! The sheet of strips made for easy sharing with my fellow travelers and they were very thankful (especially when the learned of the price for the hotel laundry service!). Bonus – my luggage smelled great from the pack itself!

I love detergent sheets, and use rhem at home as well! Grove Collective has great ones that travel perfectly, for machines. For sinks, I like the Travelon ones.

I’ve been looking for this info and of course you’ve got it. Thanks!!

Great options! Way better than my usual M.O. (using shower gel or shampoo in a pinch, lol!). I think I will try a couple at home before my next trip. Thanks TFG!

I love these tips!

I always look forward to these posts!! Either a method I didn’t know I was looking for or a reminder about a diy for an upcoming trip, thank you for helping me build a travel arsenal of info!

After reading this post I went with the Breezeo laundry sheets. Not only were they easy to pact and took up NO space, they had a fresh scent that permeated my suitcase!

I’m beginning to plan a lifelong dream of going to the UK and I know I’m going to need to use some of these suggestions for washing my clothes.

Funny, I have never brought laundry soap on my trips. I usually just use my bar soap. 🤔

I had no idea that there were so many choices either. I would love to have some samples of some of these options to try at home before our next travel date.

Thanks for all of the different choices! I had no idea there was such a thing as washer sheets, what a great invention! Timely for a trip to Europe this Fall.

We actually bought the Scrubba bag this year for our trip to Europe & it worked amazingly well! Saved us a ton of money & time from having to find somewhere to do our laundry. Thanks for the recommendation on travel laundry soap!

Wow I didn’t know there are so many laundry soap options❣️ I am going to France for a month traveling with a carryon luggage and personal item only backpack. I have been following Travel Fashion Girl website since 2016. I love all the helpful information and the links to items shared for purchase❣️

I subscribed to the Earth Breeze laundry sheets over a year ago – no more big plastic jugs!! Stuffed several into a ziploc for 3 weeks in Ireland and tore some in half or used a whole sheet, depending on how much I sink washed at various stops. Next trip: 2 weeks in Spain in Feb – already committed my brain to using the 10 piece Essential wardrobe!!

This was a great article that introduced me to a lot of options for sink washing that I was not aware of. I’ve used Woolite packets and Travelon sheets for years, but I’m going to give SOAK a try. The rinsing is always the worst part of hand washing, so I’m intrigued by the idea of no rinse needed. I’m going to try it at home first just to see how it works. Thanks for all the information you’ve shared through the years. It’s been so helpful when packing for a trip!

Great options. I wish more were unscented.

Oh my gosh, too many choices. I had no idea there were this many to choose from

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The Best Packable Travel Towels

By Ebony Roberts

We love a plush, thirsty bath towel , but a campsite or suitcase just isn’t the place for one—there, we want a quick-drying, packable travel towel.

After putting 20 such towels through 60 hours of testing—including an intense day of sand and surf at the beach—we’ve concluded the PackTowl Personal offers the best balance of drying time, packability, and odor resistance without compromising comfort and design.

A good option for nearly every towel-related scenario, it’s lightweight, extra-large, and supersoft, making it usable for both car camping and travel into the backcountry.

Everything we recommend

PackTowl Personal

The best packable camp towel.

Whether used for camping, hiking, traveling, or general outdoor adventuring, this towel is durable enough to handle extended abuse while remaining soft and comfortable.

Buying Options

With store pickup or REI membership (limited patterns)

(limited patterns)

Budget pick

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

An inexpensive towel that gets the job done.

Good-enough absorbency and drying time for those on a budget.

PackTowl Luxe

A plush, comfortable towel.

Good for car camping, day trips, and hanging at the beach, this towel is made of an incredibly soft fabric that also repels dirt.

Scoring well in nearly every performance category, the PackTowl Personal towel consistently surprised us with its ability to handle the elements. It has an antibacterial treatment to help prevent odor, the “body” size (25 by 54 inches) is large enough to wrap around most folks, and it feels soft against the skin. It’s made of a tear-resistant fabric and was the best towel we tested at absorbing water and repelling dirt. Better still, sand from the beach remained on the towel’s surface so it was easy to shake off, leaving the towel clean after multiple uses. Its drying time was faster than most of the towels we tested and it packs down to a small size in a zippered breathable pouch, making it convenient for travel or camping.

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel was nearly identical in design to many of the pricier models and scored just as well in our field tests. The only downsides are that its size large is smaller than most other large towels we tested, and it has lighter-feeling fabric. It didn’t handle our day at the beach quite as well and took a little longer to dry, but otherwise it’s comparable in comfort and packability. And, because it’s treated with an antibacterial coating—something not standard on budget (or even some pricey) towels—it passed our smell test with a perfect score. At just a fraction of the price of our top choice, it’s a good pick if you’re the kind of person who goes camping a few times a year and needs something affordable that works well.

If packing your towel down into a tiny space isn’t a concern for you, the PackTowl Luxe is about as comfortable as a towel can get. Although it does take up a bit more room and takes significantly longer to dry, its “body” size has the same dimensions as our top pick but has a plusher feel against the skin. Unlike similar big and luxurious camp towels, it didn’t smell after being put away wet. It absorbed water off the skin without trapping in the dirt and sand, which left it surprisingly clean for a towel with such a high pile. As it was easy to shake off, we enjoyed having it as a wrap and beach blanket, too.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: packtowl personal, how the packtowl has held up, flaws but not dealbreakers, an inexpensive towel that works fine: rainleaf microfiber towel, a plush, comfortable towel: packtowl luxe, microfibers and the environment, the competition, care and maintenance.

We spoke with three experts to get their takes on what we should look for in a good towel. Mark Knight, a product designer currently with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) , has designed a number of outdoor products, including packable towels, and gave us a breakdown on what he considers to be important when creating products like these.

We spoke via email with Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventures , who has worked as a backpacking, camping, and canoeing guide for the past 15 years.

And we spoke with Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at MEC. He was able to tell us what’s important from a consumer perspective. In addition to these interviews, we read a number of online reviews, pored over camping and backpacking forums, researched microfiber fabrics, and then selected and tested the towels we think cover most activities to determine which one was best overall.

Why doesn’t a regular, everyday cotton towel cut it for most outdoor activities? Knight offered us five reasons your cotton towel isn’t ideal: it’s too big, too heavy, might get damaged or stained, doesn’t get washed at the same frequency it would at home, therefore causing it to smell, and lastly, it’s not always used in the same manner as it would be at home. He added, “As a travel towel, there is also the added functional requirement of being quick-dry. When traveling, you can move around a lot, and a packed wet towel generally means a stinky towel.”

Packable towels are usually made from microfiber , although a few of the ones we tested are made from other materials (which didn’t end up performing as well). These materials are typically a blend of polyester and polyamide, aka nylon, and depending on the blend will produce a towel that feels more suede-like and slick to one that feels more plush like your average cotton towel. There are also packable towels made of nanofabric, which is composed of tiny nanoscopic fibers woven together—think the width of a human hair (or even smaller)—to create a fabric that is incredibly lightweight and small. Though they do the trick, nanofiber towels tend to have a slicker surface, which means they don’t feel much like the towel you’re used to.

According to Oliver, the most popular camp towel size is roughly equivalent to a standard household bath towel—about 26 by 52 inches after washing. Some towels were slightly smaller or larger, but we tried to stay within what would seem like regulation size for most people.

All the experts we talked to shared the opinion that the type of towel you’ll want to purchase depends on the activity you’re using it for. For backpacking or kayaking trips, Newsome told us that “lightweight, small packability and quick drying are the most important factors.” For car camping or other adventures, where weight isn’t an issue, she opts for a larger microfiber towel, and one with an antimicrobial coating, “which means for those longer road trips and tours this towel stays fresh smelling.” Knight’s opinion aligned with Newsome’s: “Some of the lightest towels don’t feel that great against your skin, but the weight means you will actually bring it in your backpack when on a long hike. If you are traveling around the world, weight might not be your primary concern, but comfort will factor highly, as you will be using the towel each day—unless you are a soap dodger ! So, a softer, slightly heavier towel may be the way to go.”

Just as important as how much water a towel can absorb—in other words, how well it dries you—is how well the towel dries after you’re dry. “Nobody wants to put a wet towel into their backpack,” Oliver said.

After surveying online reviews, forums, and user ratings, and asking people what type of towel they preferred for their own outdoor activities, we narrowed our field to 19 packable towels, then threw in a standard cotton towel as a plush baseline. We then tested the towels using seven criteria: price, comfort, design, wicking, drying time, odor resistance, and packability.

We washed and dried all of the towels, giving them all an equal starting point, then we scored them in each category. We didn’t score weight or size, but we did make note of whether these features made a difference when comparing similar options.

Comfort: This was a tough one because of the people we asked, some preferred a more textured fabric and others liked the smooth feel of the microsuede towels. We asked individuals to feel each towel against their skin, asked for their comments, and then asked what their overall top picks were.

Design: Here, we looked at how well the towel is made, and whether there were any particular features—good or bad—that made drying off more or less of a pleasure. Key among them was fabric quality, stitching, and what kind of hanging loop—essential!—the towel came with. We also looked at texture, an important attribute for both water absorption and grabbing dirt and grime, rather than just pushing it around. A too-slick towel won’t do much of anything except leave your skin feeling yucky and wet.

Wicking: One of the most important tests we conducted was how well the towel could wick away water and leave the skin feeling dry. When we took our test towels to the beach, we wanted to see how they performed against sandy salt water and whether they were able to clean the skin in addition to drying it.

Drying time: To determine which towel dried the fastest, we applied the same amount of water to each towel and then timed how long it took for them to dry. But how much water to use, and how dry is dry, exactly? We used 4 ounces of water, a quantity we settled on after having multiple testers shower and weigh their towels before and after use. Once the person was dry enough to feel comfortable putting their clothes on, we called that “dry.” We did this a couple of times with each person and used a couple types of cotton towels to get a base number. The average amount of water people removed from their bodies after showering was a ½ cup, or about 225 milliliters. We hung our entire assortment of high-tech, portable towels on the same line and recorded the time it took to leave each one dry to the touch.

Odor resistance: Another important criterion is how the towel smells after multiple uses. “An antimicrobial finish helps with odor management and decreases the frequency you need to wash the towel,” Knight told us. A towel may be used a dozen times before it gets properly washed, and if a towel smells musty or dirty after a couple of uses, it probably is. Many of the towels advertise a protective antibacterial coating and we wanted to see if these coatings actually made a difference.

Our test involved taking the towels to the beach, soaking them in 16 ounces of ocean water, wringing out the excess water as best as we could, and then placing each towel in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours. After that, we opened the bags and took a whiff. Though most remained odor-free (especially those coated with an antimicrobial treatment), we were taken aback by how seriously a few of them reeked.

Packability: As important as drying you—and drying out—are, the other key thing a camp towel has to do is pack small for travel. Some towels came with cases, some didn’t. Our focus was simply how tiny a towel could get.

Price: More expensive doesn’t really seem like a good thing when it comes to something like a packable travel towel, given that there’s such a variance in price and that most towels pretty much claim to do the same thing.

The PackTowl Personal is our top choice because it handled every test we put it through. It’s the perfect option for nearly any outdoor activity that requires a towel. It’s large and durable while still being comfortable and comes with an antimicrobial treatment, which means it won’t smell after multiple uses. Its snap loop for hanging was one of the easiest to use, and the towel packs down to a small size, making it easy to travel with. Its drying time was comparable with that of the fastest-drying towels we tested, and it didn’t absorb dirt or sand into its fabric, an essential feature if you’re taking a towel into the backcountry.

Made of a soft microsuede, this towel was consistently chosen as a top pick by those we asked to rate its comfort. It is soft and light, but still has a bit of texture, so it doesn’t feel slick against your skin the way a nanofiber towel like the Matador NanoDry Shower Towel does. The PackTowl seems built to last, with a nicely seamed edge that should hold up over time. On top of feeling soft, it dried our skin much more readily than the non-microfiber towels we tested, like the Coleman or Outlier. It even dried a bit more quickly than other microfiber products in our test group. We were impressed by how well it repelled sand and dirt from being absorbed into its fabric. The sand that did stick to the towel was easy to shake off—which wasn’t the case of some of the other models we tested that looked like dirty rags after just a short time at the beach.

In our drying-time test, the PackTowl dried much faster than most, with the exception of the linen towel and the Biospired Footprint, which beat the PackTowl’s dry time by 30 minutes. (The towels we tested dried in a range from 1 hour, 45 minutes to nearly 4 hours.) We noticed that the towels with an additional antimicrobial coating took a little longer to dry. We think the extra odor protection is worth the few extra minutes of drying time. As the PackTowl dried, some water initially beaded on the surface, but was then absorbed, compared with towels that still had visible water beads after almost an hour of drying. (Beads of water were a good indication of extended drying times.) Water also dispersed evenly through the towel rather than leaving wet spots, which likely contributed to its fast drying time. We dried the towels in overcast conditions, and noticed that at just over 1 hour, 30 minutes the PackTowl was only minimally damp, and could be packed back into its carrying case if you were in a rush to pack up and go.

We tested the PackTowl’s “body” size, which weighed 6.7 ounces, fairly average compared with the other suede-type towels, and measured 25 by 54 inches, just shy of being the same size as our standard bath towel, and larger than many of the towels in our testing pool.

Wirecutter staffers have owned this towel for multiple seasons and it continues to hold up, with no loose threads or unraveled seams after use.

We didn’t love the PackTowl’s pouch: it doesn’t attach easily to a backpack, and the zipper seemed flimsy. But the pouch is made of breathable fabric, so it won’t trap moisture the way a plastic bag or pouch might. Although the PackTowl is antimicrobial, it did have the slightest ocean water odor to it after our 48-hour smell test, which is not something we noticed in previous tests.

Costing about half the price of our top pick, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a great choice for those that don’t want to shell out almost $30 for a towel. A major bonus is that unlike most of the inexpensive towels we considered, this one actually comes with an antimicrobial treatment and passed the smell test after being sealed up wet for two days. It’s also comfortable, easy to dry off with, and just as packable as the PackTowl.

It didn’t dry quite as fast as our top pick and that may be due to the fact that some of the water beaded off and remained on the surface before being absorbed directly into the towel. The size we tested (L) is also slightly smaller than some of the pricier options but still big enough to wrap around the average person’s body.

Because it is so inexpensive, there’s the option of upgrading to the XL or XXL sizes for just a few bucks more and still have it come in well below price of most other towels. On top of that, it has a functional carrying pouch that is both breathable and easy to fasten onto a backpack so you can pack the towel damp and hang it to dry when it’s time to hit the road.

That said, though it did well drying our testers at the beach, it didn’t handle sand as well as our top pick, leaving a good amount behind on both their skin and the towel itself. If you’re a serious outdoor adventurer who’s going to be putting it to work against the elements, we recommend a towel that can handle gritty, sticky stuff a bit better.

If size and volume aren’t issues and you’re looking for something more soft and comfortable, the PackTowl Luxe performed the best of the plush cotton-like microfiber towels. Not only did it dry the quickest of these towels, it was good at removing sand from the skin and didn’t absorb dirt and mud into the fabric. It also didn’t have any odor after the smell test. A few of the other thicker towels we tested simply reeked—testers used the term “rotten fish”—after a couple days crunched into a ball, but not the Luxe.

If comfort is a primary concern, this towel feels much closer to cotton, avoiding the slick skin-feel common to many microsuedes and nanofibers. As we did with our pick, the PackTowl Personal, we tested the extra-large “Body” size. Also like our pick, at this size the Luxe is a few inches larger than the others we tested of the same type, measuring 25 by 54 inches, offering that extra little bit of coverage.

It does come with a carrying pouch, and though not as stylish or durable as the Sea to Summit Pocket Towel ’s silicone carrying case, it’s adequate for what it needs to do. We consider this towel a solid option for car camping and day trips, when taking up a little extra space won’t matter.

Although durable and light, there’s an environmental downside to microsynthetic fibers: Every time you wash that gear, small quantities of its fibers are shed, ending up in our waterways and oceans. (Here’s a study from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management on the issue.) For more about the problem and some advice on combating it, see our article Your Laundry Sheds Harmful Microfibers. Here’s What You Can Do About It.

We tested a standard white bath towel—the Fieldcrest Luxury Solid Towel, which has since been discontinued—that was the same size as the majority of the towels we tested. It performed as expected: It was great at drying skin and was comfortable, but it didn’t pack down and had a bit of a funky smell after our odor test. Surprisingly, it didn’t take that much longer to dry than some of the plusher microfiber models we tested and actually outperformed a few of the towels that are marketed specifically for camping.

Biospired Footprint Towel: This had been our runner-up pick, but the size we tested has cycled in and out of stock. If you do happen to run across one, it’s still a good towel, though. We had also tested, and dismissed, the Biospired Endurance Camping & Fitness Towel and the Biospired Trek Pack Towel; for what it’s worth, those towels also tend to have stock problems.

Matador NanoDry Shower Towel : For backcountry campers and hikers that are concerned about weight, this is by far the lightest towel we tested (2.4 ounces). It performed well, but it is very thin and not as comfortable as the others. We decided it was too specialized to be best for most people.

Outlier Grid Linen Towel : Made of a natural linen fabric, this towel was the fastest-drying towel, and it performed well at the beach. But it doesn’t pack down very small, doesn’t come with a carrying case but rather a thick elastic band, and had a faint smell after our odor test. Those drawbacks made it hard to justify its high price.

Sunland Microfiber Towel  (currently unavailable): One of the least expensive microfiber towels, but no antimicrobial treatment and very average performance.

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel : One of the slowest to dry. Another note of caution, many online reviews have reported a problem with the cobalt blue dye running. We didn’t run into this problem, but we tested an orange towel, so it’s likely the issue is with only the darker-colored towels. Another drawback is that the carrying case comes with a Velcro closure, making it possible to snag the fabric when maneuvering the towel into and out of the case.

Shandali Yoga Travel Towel  (currently unavailable): Average performance, no carrying case, and though it does have a little loop for hanging to dry, most of the towels we tested had a loop with a snap, making them more versatile.

YogaRat SportLite Sport + Bath Towel  (currently unavailable): Though this towel did dry quite quickly and was resistant to odor during our 48-hour test, the lack of an antibacterial treatment gave us odor concerns for people taking it on longer trips. And with no carrying case and a snapless loop, this towel was a few steps below our top choices in convenience.

Sea to Summit Tek Towel : Sand stuck to the towel, leaving it quite dirty. Drying time was slow.

REI Co-op Multi Towel  (currently unavailable, but we're looking into a possible new version): Everything stuck to this towel: dryer lint, grass, sand, and dirt, and even though we tested a darker color, it looked dirty after our day at the beach. It also didn’t smell great after our odor test, and it took over four hours to dry.

Lightload Towel : Not really built to be used multiple times, this towel is made of an almost paperlike viscose material, and although very small, once unpackaged it can’t be squished down to its original size (although it does fit in a smaller Ziploc bag). It is incredibly large though, dried quickly, and would probably perform as an ad-hoc firestarter or outdoor survival tool (non-cleanliness-oriented usage scenarios suggested by the manufacturer). Whether being able to set the world on fire is a worthwhile trade-off with this towel’s lack of odor resistance—it was the worst performer in our stink trial—is something we hope we’ll never have to decide.

Coghlan’s Deluxe Camp Towel (currently unavailable): This is the classic outdoor towel that’s been around campsites for years. Some backcountry campers still prefer these towels because they’re small, lightweight, and cheap, but they didn’t perform as well as the microfiber towels that we tested. They dry very slowly, stink up easily, and don’t feel good against the skin.

Coleman Camp Towel  (currently unavailable): Similar in nearly every aspect to the Coghlan’s towel, just with slightly different dimensions—neither is big enough to really function as a full-body wrap—this model also had the drawbacks of rough fabric, odor retention, and delayed drying. (It appears to have been discontinued.)

Most packable towels are designed to repel dirt and bacteria, so they don’t need to be cleaned after every use. Excessive washing can also break down the fabric and any additional antimicrobial technology the towel might be treated with. So, wash only when dirty and don’t dry your towel on high heat unless absolutely necessary; way better to hang it when you can and let the air take care of it.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Nicholas J. Bruce, Niko L. Hartline, Stephanie N. Karba, Elizabeth O. Ruff, Shreya U. Sonar, and Patricia A. Holden, Microfiber Pollution and the Apparel Industry , Bren School of Environmental Science and Management , September 30, 2016

Mark Knight, product designer for Mountain Equipment Co-opand member of the Outdoor Industry Association , email interview , April 21, 2017

Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventure and Kilimanjaro Bliss , email interview , March 31, 2017

Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at Mountain Equipment Co-op , phone interview , March 29, 2017

What Are The Coolest New Small Gear Companies? , Outside , January 15, 2016

Anne Trafton, Tiny particles may pose big risk , MIT News , April 8, 2014

Meet your guide

Ebony Roberts

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

Essential Gear for Traveling Solo

by Ria Misra

Traveling solo is freeing but poses some unique challenges. Wirecutter’s picks help you travel comfortably and securely—and bring home great pictures too.

The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More

by Kit Dillon

After six years of relaxing in the sand and playing in the surf, we’ve chosen the best picks to help you enjoy a perfect beach day.

The Best Duffle Bags

After lugging 34 duffles through airports, to beaches, and on weekend trips, we chose seven bags that’ll carry what you need carried in a range of scenarios.

Six travel bags for £50 or less in Dunelm's sale that have rave reviews

If you're gearing up for your next holiday, Dunelm has launched a huge sale on suitcases

• 16:07, 2 APR 2024

Dunelm has launched a massive 20 per cent off sale on selected travel items and suitcases. Ahead of the upcoming holiday season, there are a number of things you’ll need to do before you jet off, including packing.

Packing can be laborious, but going on holiday without or forgetting your essentials can be a pain in itself. So to help you make your luggage straightforward while staying protected on your journey and stylish, Dunelm has reduced the price of a ton of suitcases.

Whether you’re after a cabin bag, storage bundles or something for the children to traipse through an airport, there’ll be something for you.

IT Luggage Black & Rose Gold Divinity 4 Wheel Suitcase - £40

Available in four different sizes, the IT Luggage Black & Rose Gold Divinity 4 Wheel Suitcase comes built to pack all your essentials, whether you’re looking for a cabin bag or larger. Its shell comes with EVA, which provides a rubber-like softness and flexibility that will keep all your belongings safe and secure. It also comes fitted with an extendable handle.

The IT Luggage Black & Rose Gold Divinity 4 Wheel Suitcase is priced between £40 and £60, depending on the size purchased. The suitcase has an average 4.7 out of five star rating from 125 reviews.

Tim said: “Great little cabin case. Sturdy and well made. Four wheels make it really easy to push. Love the black and rose gold colours. Highly recommend.”

Anne wrote: “Excellent purchase the case looks good and nice and light. Don’t know how it would cope with being thrown about by aircraft staff though. We are just using it for coach trips.”

Philippa said: “Terrible quality broke as soon as I lifted handle now unable to use it and have to make the return.”

Waterside Soft Shell Suitcase - £36

For anyone who prefers their suitcase with a soft material, Dunelm’s highest rated suitcase is the Waterside Soft Shell Suitcase . It comes available in three different sizes: cabin (£36), medium (£50), and large (£55).

In collaboration with the Natural History Museum, the suitcase comes fit with a stunning Kingfisher design, so you can be stylish on your travels. It has an average 4.8 out of five star rating from 13 reviews.

SuziW said, “Lovely little study suitcase. Good amount of space inside,” while Shel wrote, “I bought the medium and cabin sizes and the design is really nice which should stand out on the conveyor belt.”

While Sam said: “Really pretty case and the zips/ wheels and handle seem strong. Not quite 5* as it's a little smaller than my previous medium case (Tripp brand) so harder to fit in more than a week's worth of things and doesn't have a compression zip, which you can get cases with for a similar price, but not with as nice a design as this.”

Elements Fuchsia Suitcase - £24

For hard shell fans, Dunelm sells the Elements Fuchsia Suitcase in an unmissable pink. Priced between £24 and £40, the suitcase has options for cabin luggage or something larger to be put the hold.

It comes crafted with a sturdy hard shell to protect your all-important travel gear, as well as four spinner wheels, and a convenient push-button trolley system. The suitcase boasts a perfect five star rating from eight reviews.

Kim said: “Got a medium and large one, lovely colour and size. So worth the money, tempted to get the small one to have the full set.”

An anonymous shopper wrote: “Super light and a lot larger than I thought, easy to wheel around and VERY easy to spot on the baggage carousel. Great value for money and delivered on time, highly recommended.”

7 Piece Travel Storage Bag - £10

To help out with your holiday luggage organisation, included in Dunelm’s sale is the 7 Piece Travel Storage Bag , which will set you back just £10. The seven lightweight bags can help your packing be a breeze instead of a chore.

The bags are made with a water repellent cloth to keep your clothes safe from any liquid spillage. They also boast a large capacity so you can pack all your essentials.

The storage bag bundle has a perfect five star rating from five reviews. Sarahp said: “Great value for money, great quality, perfect for holidays.”

DHDeal wrote: “These are very useful for all sorts of uses - I actually used the largest one as a bag to take into hospital - everything fitted in and was visible through the mesh front. Carrying handle made it easier to transport. May also work as a sports bag ...sweaty clothes won't fester on the journey home as it is ventilated. These do make holiday packing easy - put all your pant/socks into one bag and just lift it in/out..a bit less fiddling about when unpacking on holiday, just put the bag straight into a drawer and use from there. They seem quite robust but not heavy.”

Black Hard Shell Suitcase - £22.40

Bargain hunters looking for the best price for a cabin bag (which isn’t designed for children) can find the Black Hard Shell Suitcase , where a suitcase designed for an overhead locker will cost you £22.40. It also comes in three other sizes: medium, large and extra large.

An extra large suitcase will set you back £45. The Black Hard Shell Suitcase is a strong and durable suitcase, which is one you want to rely on.

It also has an average 4.4 out of five star rating from seven reviews. AN said: “The suitcase was a lot lighter than others in the market and one of the cheapest out there! Also, the design is not bad either and looks nice - still can’t believe how great the price is, definitely recommend.”

Claire wrote, “Really light weight but strong and sturdy, lots of room,” while KJL commented, “This case although looked great was really lightweight and flimsy. I had not choice but to use it for my trip to Iceland as I left it too late to get anything else. Surprised it had it through two flights. Really disappointed.”

Kids 2-in-1 Backpack & Suitcase - £20

Dunelm’s sale also includes a number of children’s suitcases, which also double up as an adorable backpack. These include the Disney Princess Kids 2-in-1 Backpack & Suitcase (£20) , Star Wars Baby Grogu 2-in-1 Backpack & Suitcase (£20) , and Toy Story 2 in 1 Backpack & Suitcase (£20) .

The suitcases are made with a soft shell fabric to help protect your little one’s essentials and make it comfortable to wear. Spike 55 said: “Delighted with this Disney travel case for my granddaughter. It stands independently when empty, coated wheels( big bonus) handle locks when extended and super smooth zip. Fab colour. Highly recommend.”

Claire wrote: “Bought this for my Nephew for his birthday and for our up and coming trip to WDW. He is Toy Story mad so will love this 2 in 1 backpack for his holidays. Great he can use it on the flight for all his items. Great price too.”

While Amy said: “Cute but a little flimsy. Not sure how long it's going to last but the kids love it.”

Tripp also has a sale on suitcases on over 135 products. The biggest discount on the website is 69 per cent on the Tripp Absolute Lite Ice Blue Medium Suitcase (was £130, now £39.50) and the Tripp Absolute Lite Pewter Medium Suitcase (was £130, now £39.50).

Or find the Narway Underseat Foldable Travel Duffel Bag for Ryanair Airlines Cabin Bag on Amazon for £7.99 (for a limited time only). Usually priced at £11.99, the duffel is Amazon’s best selling bag.

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Phone code Moscow: 495

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